A pro-Gov. Nikki Haley political group will begin Wednesday airing television ads statewide urging state senators to back her education plan. The ad comes as Haley, a first-term governor from Lexington, prepares for another run against Democratic state Sen. Vincent Sheheen this year. Democrats have said Haley co-opted plans they have recommended for years.

Duke Energy downplayed concerns Monday about water pollution and dam safety at the company’s only operating coal plant in South Carolina, saying the Upstate site is safe and should be no reason for alarm.

While some state higher education and government leaders said the board definitely made the right choice for the college and the state, a group of about 200 students Monday protested against the Board of Trustees' decision to hire McConnell. Many faculty members wore black clothing to show support for them, The (Charleston) Post and Courier reports.